My front yard gardens are at their best in July. Right now they are abloom with evening primroses, day lilies, and astilbe. (Note: With its predominance of dry shade, my front yard surely qualifies as one of the worst yards in Winthrop in which to garden. Still, I persevere, settling for the few plants I know that will tolerate these conditions.)

My backyard is somewhat better. It gets about six hours of sun, and I can grow things back there that I can’t grow in the front—namely big bunches of irises, which I adore. I can also grow cucumbers and a variety of tomato called Juliet.

Here are some photos of what the gardens look like right now:

Ah, July!